National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga has threatened to sue American giant technology firm, Facebook over negative ADs against him that were run on the social media platform during the Kenya’s 2017 presidential election.
In an interview with BBC’s Channel 4 News, the Opposition leader noted that the online smear campaigns run on Facebook during the polls were meant to paint him in bad light.
“The negative campaigns were run against me on Facebook including “Who is Raila Odinga” and “The Real Raila Odinga” to paint me as the devil incarnate.”
Due to the extent of social media penetration in Kenya, they found what they needed to run their propaganda. I’m disappointed that Facebook agreed to cooperate in the clandestine activities and we are contemplating legal action against Facebook,” he conveyed.
Prodded to further explain the legal action he plans to institute against the Mark Zuckerberg-led organization, Odinga stated: “We will do it outside Kenya. We will have lawyers in Kenya and outside Kenya.”
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader also said he will take British data mining firm, Cambridge Analytica to court over their role in interfering with Kenya’s presidential polls.
Raila rubbished allegations that his team also engaged in dirty politics by acquiring data illegally during the campaigns.
“We campaigned under difficult circumstances. Our consultants Aristotle Group of Companies, two officials were arrested and deported without any reason.”
“Kenya is vulnerable and will end badly for democracy in Africa. If we let it succeed, then there will be no point in having elections. There will be no will of the people,” he added.
Contacted for a comment on Raila’s claims, Facebook said: “We categorically deny allegations of any political corporation with one party over another in the presidential election or for support of Cambridge Analytica campaigns in the 2017 Kenyan elections.”
A week ago, Cambridge Analytica top officials were caught on Camera boasting on how they influenced Kenya’s presidential polls in 2013 and 2017 in favor of President Kenyatta.
Did Raila/ODM/NASA use FB …
Did Raila/ODM/NASA use FB “to paint others as devil incarnate”? Don’t think he will go to any court, but if he does, it will about ODM/NASA activities on FB. Let him try it.